Steven Pienaar has rebuffed Everton's offer of a new contract but the club are confident they can thrash out a deal with the South African international.

The 27-year-old midfielder has had an impressive spell at Goodison Park since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2007.

But with David Moyes keen to tie Pienaar down on a long term deal, the 27-year-old has rejected Everton's opening offer, alerting several clubs in Italy and Spain.

But a club source said: "Everyone is still talking, and we are confident there will be a happy outcome.''

Pienaar is currently with the Everton squad in Salt Lake City, Utah, preparing
for Wednesday's warm-up match against a Major League Soccer representative
side.

Everton lost the first match of their tour of Canada and the US, going down 1-0
to River Plate in Edmonton.

The match saw teenager Jack Rodwell play his first pre-season match, having
been given extra time off after appearing in the European Championships for
England Under-21s.

Rodwell played in central midfield, despite suggestions that he would soon
operate in central defence, with Phil Jagielka not expected back to fitness
following his knee injury until November.

Rodwell said: "I am not sure where I will be playing this season. I started
for the first team in midfield last season and played most of my games there, so
maybe it will be the same again - I am not really sure.

"I have had a few days' training now and it has been hard getting back into
it. It is about getting back to a good level of fitness and I managed to play
the full 90 minutes.

"I was pleased to get my first game behind me and hope to play on Wednesday.
The MLS have some really good players playing and it will be tough.''